A man who stole over €10,000 from the organisation behind the Gay Pride Parade in Dublin while working as its financial officer, has received a 3-year suspended sentence.

John Finucane (35) of Bridgewater Quay, Islandbridge in Dublin has previous convictions from England for a relationship in which he, as an adult, kissed a boy (13).

Mr. Finucane has admitted abusing his position as LGBTQ's financial officer.

The court heard he went on a €10,000 spending spree in the run up to Christmas 2011, using the stolen money to buy gifts for his friends and to pay for hotel rooms for himself and his then-partner.

He was working for the group, which organises the Dublin Pride festival, in a voluntary capacity and had access to two credit cards which he used to make the unauthorised payments.

None of the money has been repaid. Judge Mary-Ellen Ring said Finucane had taken badly needed money from an organisation that relies on donations and does work for the community.

However she acknowledged Mr. Finucane has serious medical issues that are better addressed out of prison, and she has imposed a 3-year suspended sentence.

Pictured above: Participants at the Dublin Pride Parade in 2010. Not pictured: John Finucane